What François Hollande wrote in Palace guest book

MANILA, Philippines — French President François Hollande called the ties between the Philippines and France a "profound friendship" in a message he inscribed Thursday in the Malacañan Palace guest book.

Hollande, who wrote in French, signed the guest book in the presence of President Benigno Aquino III ahead of their closed-door expanded bilateral meeting hours after he arrived at the Villamor Air Base.

"Ma présence aujourd’hui est une nouvelle preuve de la profonde amitié qui unit la France et les Philippines. En lançant l’Appel de Manille, nos deux pays marquent leur volonté d’agir pour la préservation de la planète," he wrote.

Inscription of Hollande in the guest book of the Malacanan Palace. The signing of the book is an acknowledged protocol for visiting heads of state. Official Gazette

The Palace afterward released an official translation of the French leader's note:

My presence today is new proof of the profound friendship that unites France and the Philippines. In launching the Manila Appeal, our two countries mark our willingness to act for the preservation of the planet.

Hollande arrived in Manila at the invitation of Aquino, who was in Paris in September last year. His state visit comes as France, with the Philippines. calls on the international community to reach an agreement making substantive steps toward climate change mitigation.

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